Device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure

Abstract

A mooring device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure includes an elongate resiliently yieldable member which has a longitudinally-extending, normally arcuate shape when in an unstressed state. The yieldable member is operatively connected between the floating object at a first end and the moorage structure at a second end. The yieldable member is yieldably bendable from the normally arcuate shape to a more arcuate shape in response to movement of the floating object toward the moorage structure so as to yieldably resist the movement. One exemplary non-portable embodiment include a base which connects the second end to the moorage structure. Another exemplary embodiment includes a removable resilient fender which is adapted to connect the first end to the floating object for portability. A third exemplary embodiment is adapted selectively either for portable or non-portable use.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A mooring device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure, said mooring device comprising: (a) an elongate resiliently yieldable member having two ends and a longitudinally-extending, normally arcuate shape when in an unstressed state;   (b) said ends being adapted to be connected to said floating object and to said moorage structure, respectively, so as to yieldably resist movement of said floating object toward said moorage structure by bending from said normally arcuate shape to a more arcuate shape in response to said movement;   (c) at least one of said ends being pivotally attached to a pin so as to pivot with respect to said pin about an axis substantially transverse to said elongate resiliently yieldable member; and   (d) a socket mountable within at least one of said floating object and moorage structure in communication with an exterior surface thereof, said pin being slidably insertable into said socket through said exterior surface and detachably lockable therein so as to fasten said pin within said one of said floating object and moorage structure.   
     
     
       2. The mooring device of claim 1 wherein said pin is axially rotatable relative to said socket. 
     
     
       3. The mooring device of claim 1 wherein said one of said ends is pivotally attached to said pin so as to pivot with respect thereto about a pair of mutually perpendicular axes both of which are substantially transverse to said member. 
     
     
       4. The mooring device of claim 1 including a respective said pin and socket associated with each of said ends of said member. 
     
     
       5. The mooring device of claim 1 wherein said resiliently yieldable member has a generally elongate cross-section with a breadth substantially greater than its thickness. 
     
     
       6. A mooring device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure, said mooring device comprising: (a) an elongate resiliently yieldable member having two ends and a longitudinally-extending, normally arcuate shape when in an unstressed state;   (b) said ends being adapted to be connected to said floating object and to said moorage structure, respectively, so as to yieldably resist movement of said floating object toward said moorage structure by bending from said normally arcuate shape to a more arcuate shape in response to said movement;   (c) said ends being pivotally attachable to said floating object and to said moorage structure, respectively, so that each of said ends pivots with respect thereto about a respective substantially horizontal axis and a substantially vertical axis, both of which are substantially transverse to said member.   
     
     
       7. The mooring device of claim 6 wherein at least one of said ends is pivotally attachable within an exterior surface of said floating object. 
     
     
       8. The mooring device of claim 6 wherein said resiliently yieldable member has a generally elongate cross-section with a breath substantially greater than its thickness. 
     
     
       9. A mooring device for connecting a floating object to a moorage structure, said mooring device comprising: (a) an elongate resiliently yieldable member having two ends and a longitudinally-extending, normally arcuate shape when in an unstressed state:   (b) said ends being adapted to be connected to said floating object and to said moorage structure, respectively, so as to yieldably resist movement of said floating object toward said moorage structure by bending from said normally arcuate shape to a more arcuate shape in response to said movement;   (c) said ends having respective spring lines fastened thereto and being detachable from said floating object and said moorage structure, respectively, in unison with said respective spring lines.   
     
     
       10. The mooring device of claim 9 wherein said resiliently yieldable member has a generally elongate cross-section with a breadth substantially greater than its thickness.